Squid Thoran or Kanava Thoran

Squid Thoran or Kanava Thoran is a common side dish that is served with rice. Since Kerala has a long coastal line, getting variety of fish has made it possible for Keralites to taste a variety of fish. Squid or Kanava is a common variety that is prepared with coconut gratings and sufficient amount of spices. This is not at all a time consuming dish and can be prepared within 20 mnts.

This dish was actually taught by my Mom. But I have added certain changes to her recipe. The recipe might vary according to your tastes and liking. Those of you who have innovative ideas for this dish may let me know. I would like to make yet another variety of this dish. And for those of you who fear that they are not able to make the perfect Kerala squid thoran can go ahead and make it following the recipe given below. Well as only make sure that you clean the squid properly before cooking. Since squid is a sort of conical fish, it tends to hold the sand from the sea. Hence you will have to be extra careful while washing and cleaning it. For convenience, you can cut the bottom out and allow water to pass through the hole. Push out the water through the cut portion and you can wash off all the dirt in it. This should be done after the bone of the squid and other internal parts are cleaned out.

Ingredients

• Squid  - 1/2 kg (Large)
• Onions - 2 large
• Coconut- 1/2 cup
• Green Chilly - 2 large
• Ginger Garlic Paste- 1 tsp
• Chilly Powder - 1 tsp
• Turmeric Powder - a pinch or two
• Vinegar - a dash
• Tamarind paste- a pinch
• Curry leaves 
• Salt - as per your taste
• Coconut oil or Vegetable oil - 1  tbsp

Method 

1. Clean Squid well and cut into small pieces. You can even cut it in rings to give a much better look. But i would recommend you to cut it into smaller pieces as I like the masala go deep into the flesh. Rings sometimes take too much time to cook and the salt does not go deep into it.
2. In a heated pan, add some coconut oil and add mustard seeds and wait for it to pop
3. Now you may add curry leaves 
4. Add add finely chopped onions and green chillies to it and saute for a while
5. When the onions have turned golden brown, you may add the pieces of squid to it and add some salt 
6. Close the lid and wait for 2 mnts
7. By that time, you can take out your mixer grinder and in the mixer jar, add grated coconut, chilly powder, turmeric powder, vinegar and tamarind paste and grind for a second or two
8. To the pan, you may add the coconut mixture and saute well
9. Close the lid of the pan and allow it to cook in low flame for another 10 minutes
10. Make sure you do not over-cook it
11. After 10- 15 mnts, you may switch off the flame
12. Open the lid and serve hot with rice.